Chesapeake Home

Once again this year, organizers of the Maryland Home & Garden show asked ChesapeakeHome to judge and present an award for the “Best Landscape.”  The two weekend show runs March 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 this year. A highlight of the show every spring are the professionally landscaped display gardens. Built inside the one of the buildings at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, these display gardens are phenomenal and often include full-size plantings, water features, outdoor structures, paths and patios, outdoor kitchens and dining areas, and more.  This year I tapped Sean Bullock of Woodfield Landscaping and Chad Neal of Whispering Meadows to do the judging and was pleasantly surprised to find that the garden they thought was “best of show” was also chosen by the judges selected by the show organizers.

The 2010 winner in multiple categories was Carroll Landscaping, Inc. Designed and installed by Carroll Landscaping president Robert Jones and his team, this garden featured a unique corner “waterwall,” a beautiful painted wood pergola, a high-end outdoor kitchen, and a naturalistic firepit seating area as well as beautiful landscape plantings.

For ticket information and directions to the show visit mdhomeandgarden.com/spring2010.

To learn more about Carroll Landscaping, Inc., visit carroll-landscaping.com.

One of my favorite interviews was with a sommelier for an upscale restaurant in DC last year. He noted that when people asked him whether he was traveling for business or for pleasure, he would often answer, “what’s the difference?”

And so it is for many in the wine business. Who can blame them? If I could justify a case of Sauvignon Blanc or a trip to South France as a business expense, I would!

Bin 201, where Baltimore restaurateur and CH contributing editor Tony Foreman serves as a wine consultant, is a wine boutique in Annapolis. After accepting an invitation to attend a wine class at Bin 201 last week, I went in knowing that I liked spicy wines that are medium bodied. A sweet finish doesn’t hurt, either. If we’re doing red, give me a Rioja. White? I’ll take a Gewurztraminer.

I’m pretty good at identifying what tastes, aromas, and viscosities I like, and I have enough of a vocabulary to describe those characteristics to a liquor store employee or wait staff. But beyond that, I don’t know what makes one Chardonnay buttery while another is more fruit forward and citrusy. I don’t know how a French Syrah differs from an Argentinean one. And I’ve certainly never taken a 2005 Merlot home just to see how the 2004 vintage compared. So, for someone who loves to ask the question “why?” this was my chance.

The course I participated in was the “Wine 101” beginner’s class. Having sat in on similar tastings elsewhere for “research” (no, really! I had to write an article…) I thought I knew what to expect. But because this particular tasting was held in a private room with limited seating, it allowed much more opportunity for questions, observations, and all the geography lessons we pupils could bear. (As well as getting to do some retronasal breathing without too much embarrassment.) The style of discussion was very informal and conversational. (Especially after tasting six wines…) But I did find out a few answers to my “whys.”

New World versus Old World:
•    When someone says “Old World” wines, he is referring to Europe.
•    When someone says “New World” wines, he is referring to everywhere else in the world.
•    Old World wines are more often named for a place, as this is indicative of what kinds of grapes are grown in certain parts of the world.
•    New World wines are more typically labeled with a type.
•    Old World wines tend to have more earthy, mineral tones. New World wines tend to be more fruit-forward.

Check the label:
•    The Pinot Noir grape is very thin-skinned, which is why it tends to be less tannic than other reds.
•    Burgundy = 100% Pinot Noir.
•    A wine’s finish refers to what flavors you taste after you’ve swallowed it.
•    If someone says a wine is “hot on the finish,” he means that you can still taste a lot of alcohol (sometimes an overwhelming amount) on the finish, and that particular wine might benefit from being allowed to age for a little longer.
•    Big, juicy, fruity qualities tend to fade with age, so don’t let those sit for too long!
•    Reds and whites both turn brown as they go bad with age.
•    Higher quality wines have more complexity. In particular, they have a longer, more complex finish.

“Wine 101” is part of the BINOLOGY 100 Series, which also includes these classes: “Wine 102: A Guide to Food and Wine Pairing,” “Wine 103: A Comprehensive Exploration,” and “Wine 103: Gain Familiarity with French Wines.”

These Saturday classes last from 2 pm to 3:30. Each class is $29-$39 per student and restricted to 15 students. Each class includes a tasting of six wines in Bin 201’s private tasting room. Advance ticket purchase is required.

Separate wine tastings and private tasting parties are available by appointment.
Baltimoreans are encouraged to visit its sister store, Bin 604, in Harbor East.

For a helpful guide to pairing wine with your favorite foods, go here and scroll to the bottom for a chart.

Sonya Meeker's "Pumpkin Seed Platter;" Charity Davis-Woodward's "Lobed Pitcher" & "Petal Bowl" atop Len Dougherty's "Stalactite/Stalagmite." Photo by Nicole Martyn.

Tucked into an old Victorian row house in Baltimore’s historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood is the Meredith Gallery. Home to “furn-art-ture™” by both emerging local and nationally recognized American artists, the gallery displays and embraces the synthesis of art and furniture with one-of-a-kind, functional pieces.

The latest exhibition, “Adorned,” features holiday tables ornamented by beautiful ceramics, and is open to the public through February 27, 2010.

Meredith Gallery: meredithgallery.com or 410-837-3575

See more photos of this exhibit in the February/March 2010 issue of ChesapeakeHome, on newsstands now.

The folks at Patrick Sutton Home loved their temporary holiday boutique so much that they decided to move in for good!

Patrick Sutton Home is a sister company to Patrick Sutton Associates, a design firm. With a professional eye, they select wares to delight any home, with offerings like custom upholstery, lighting, case goods, linens, home fragrances, mirrors, rugs, and fine art.

They have moved from their quaint Light Street address over to a sophisticated new space in Harbor East. Come check out their swanky new digs when they open a week from today!

Opening: February 9th
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 12 -5 p.m.
100 International Drive, Suite 101
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Over the holidays I took advantage of a rare opportunity to slow down and actually took a local road trip up to the Brandywine Valley to check out Longwood Gardens’ Christmas exhibits and do a little shopping.

Longwood Gardens Exhibition Hall

The Longwood decorations were as beautiful as ever: not-in-the-least overstated, elegant, sophisticated.  The conservatories featured the usual array of tropical flowering plants and evergreens decorated with lights and ornaments.  Although I’ve never been a huge fan of poinsettias, Longwood had an extensive collection of varieties I’ve never seen that changed my mind on this holiday staple. If you’ve never been to Longwood in the winter, the main highlight is the conservatories–a series of connected glass houses containing everything from palms and orchids to roses and cacti. From about Thanksgiving through the first week of January, the conservatories feature Christmas displays unlike anything else I have ever seen, and the outdoor lighting display is beautiful.  Check out the Longwood Gallery to see some of my favorite aspects of this season’s decor.

Lighting Selection at Terrain

What’s great about the Brandywine Valley is that in addition to Longwood, it has so much to offer.  A Simon Pearce glass blowing facility and restaurant, Winterthur and Nemours house museums and gardens, colonial era Quaker architecture, the Brandywine River Museum, the Delaware Art Museum, great shopping and antiques, and more.  Too much to list, and too much to do in one weekend. Since I only planned an afternoon, I limited myself to Longwood and the newish garden center, Terrain. Launched as Terrrain in 2008 by Urban Outfitters, Terrain at Styer’s continues the J. Franklin Styer’s tradition of bringing people and plants together–with a nice cafe and beautifully merchandised collection of unique home and garden products, Terrain is the type of place you could spend hours just wandering its 11 acres of greenhouses and showrooms.  While Urban Outfitters does have plans to launch new Terrain locations in select markets, for right now the Glen Mills, Pennsylvania location is the one and only.  I’ve posted a Gallery here, but seriously encourage you to make a trip of your own.

Links:
Longwood Gardens: longwoodgardens.org
Terrain at Styer’s: terrainathome.com

Recently, I was fortunate to be a guest at the 5th Anniversary bash for Tony Foreman and Cindy Wolf’s Baltimore restaurant PAZO.  One of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore, PAZO ranks high on my list not just for the great food, but also for the beauty of the space.  Designed by Patrick Sutton, whose residential work we’ve featured, the decor of PAZO capitalizes on what Baltimore has to offer: large industrial and light industrial buildings that once took advantage of the easy shipping chanel provided by the port.  Although Baltimore’s days as an industrial powerhouse are history, places like PAZO remind guests of that time, and Sutton’s graceful blending of industry and elegance are big part PAZO’s continued success.

Foreman and Wolf’s understanding that environment and food must complement each other is evident in all of their restaurants and certainly was on display as they welcomed guests to celebrate five years.  Adding to the already stunning atmosphere, a troupe of clowns, stilt walkers, jugglers, dancers, and acrobats were on hand to keep spirits high. In addition to passed plates featuring Chef Costa’s creations, the night’s menu included a towering cake by Charm City Cakes of the Food Network’s Ace of Cakes fame.  Having watched the show from time to time for years, I was excited to learn first hand that their cakes don’t just look good, they are also delicious.  Seems Duff and his crew understand what Foreman and Wolf do–make it look good, make it taste good, and you’ve got a recipe for success.

From now until Christmas Eve, a handful of local retailers – Double Dutch Boutique, Di[e]ce, Dresscode by Gita, Patrick Sutton Home, and Shine Collective – have taken up temporary residence in Harbor East.

At the base of the newly unveiled Legg Mason tower on the circle at Aliceanna Street, each mini-shop will be open from noon ’till 7 p.m. every day ’till December 24th.

Go check out a truly unique way to shop this holiday season while you’re in the neighborhood, perhaps after a trip to Whole Foods, a happy hour drink at Cinghiale, or dinner at Oceanaire.

Patrick Sutton Home promises “wine tastings, inspired artwork, incredible books, sweet smelling candles, amazing furnishings, and all things beautiful…”

Shine Collective kicks things off this Thursday, December 10 from 5-10 p.m. with a Pop-Up Party featuring Shine Collective Sound System DJs and refreshments for all.

Each room in The Washington Design Center’s Fall 2009 Design House—aptly named “Potomac Fever”—represents eight different historic districts in DC.

Students from City Arts—this year’s charity partner—created a mural at the entry to the Design House featuring each of the eight historic districts presented by the designers. Three thousand dollars raised by 400 guests at the Preview Party on September 24th went to City Arts.

For a full photo gallery of the Design House & Preview Party, click here.

Madeleine Mitchell of Brunschwig & Fils, Steven Lamadue & Don Love of SLD Interiors and Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey of SCW Interiors in the "Georgetown" Living Room

Beverly Claiborne of Beverly Claiborne Designs drew from the historic background of LeDroit Park for her foyer, which is both luxurious and elegant with touches of modern updates. A green velvet upholstered sofa from Robert Allen and uniquely styled Kravet console are just two of many elements that echo the details and curvaceous lines found in the architecture LeDroit Park.

Lori Ludwick of InDesign, LLC channeled U Street, “a fresh, gritty beacon of style, seamlessly mixing old and new in a culturally diverse area” when composing her artist studio. The wood plank wall and concrete floor lend an industrial vibe while a velvet sofa (for the artist’s models, of course) provides a sumptuous contrast. The large console at the center of the room, a classic design in updated materials, is the epitome of old-meets-new.

Lori Ludwick's industrial-meets-chic "U Street" artist studio

Christine Hecht Payne of Christine Hecht Payne Interior Design took on a more traditional style for her dining room, modeled after Wesley Heights. Green walls and natural stone flooring recall the area’s many beautiful gardens; the Doric columns in the base of the demilune tables conjure up images of DC’s memorials and historic buildings. Meanwhile, “the plaster moldings and fireplace surround were designed by the same family and company that assisted in the historic restoration of the White House during the Truman Administration in the 1940s.”

Karen Mitrano Snyder of Interiors of Washington, Ltd. turned to Massachusetts Avenue and Embassy Row to inspire the design of her bedroom suite. Not only does the charm of the area cause visitors to reminisce about the “culture, luxury, and elegance of years gone by,” but the warmth of the people who live there stands out, too. Snyder capitalized on both of these traits, creating a room that surrounds visitors in comfortable sophistication of a bygone era.

William & Katherine Tarleton's sophisticated "Capitol Hill" congressional quarters and library

Brooke Steuart of Brooke Steuart Interiors, LLC captured the “distinctive style,” “amazing history,” and “eclectic vibe” of Georgetown in her social living room. Pairing classic design with modern pieces reflects Georgetown’s spirit of constant evolution, while the inclusion of a unique mosaic water wall was chosen to remind visitors of the ever-scenic Potomac River.

William & Katherine Tarleton of Tarleton Interiors looked to Capitol Hill in collaborating on their congressional quarters and library. With a grey and citron palette, the pair fashioned an understatedly elegant space. Graceful patterns dance upon furnishings and walls, and an eclectic mix of lighting sources provide a soft glow in a sophisticated home office fit for a congressman (or woman!).

Beverly Claiborne and guests enjoy the Preview Party in her LeDroit Park-inspired foyer

Dana Tydings of Tydings Design, Inc. takes visitors on a trip to the Kalorama District in her formal vestibule and parlor. In the vestibule, birch tree patterned wallcovering emulates a wooded landscape viewed through a window as a fanciful “glass floor” uncovers a koi pond. The parlor offers a more formal vibe, with traditional pieces featuring “cutting-edge” materials.

Debbie Wiener of Designing Solutions opted to go with the active feel of the Navy Yard when drafting plans for her playful sports lounge. The ultimate fan will love the durability of the flooring and fabrics chosen. And come game day, he will appreciate plenty of seating—all made in the US in eco-friendly manufacturing facilities with recycled content.

Debbie Wiener and Preview Party patrons gather for a movie in her "Navy Yard" sports lounge

The DC Design Center’s Fall 2009 Design House is open to the public until December 12, 2009.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, go to www.dcdesigncenter/designhouse/fall2009/ or call 202-646-6114.

Recently, I walked through a historic home constructed in 1780 and an exquisite

The Afternoon Tea Room

example of Revolutionary War era architecture in Ellicott City, Maryland. This restoration was celebrated in the 25th Decorator’s Show House from September 19 to October 18, 2009 and sponsored by Historic Ellicott City, Inc.

Unlike many show houses that I have viewed over the last few years, Walnut Grove and its history was preserved in an elegant, yet modern way that made the home inviting and functional. Some of the highlights of this treasured residence include hand-painted ceilings, fabric embroidered and appliqué linen curtains, modern, sleek furnishings, unique lighting fixtures and much more.

It was a very livable space with textured paints on the walls and ceilings that give the feeling of warmth and opulence all at the same time. The master bedroom was highlighted with an eclectic combination of old and new as well as the use of soft neutrals and a nature-inspired color palette. The backboard of the master bed was made of a recycled window frame, which was a nice accent to an already cozy space.

Another element used frequently throughout the home was deep, rich paint colors, which gave the house a sense of comfort and style. The guest bath had a very intricate pedestal glass and tile sink that gave the space an Old World feel with a touch of modern class. It was a luxurious space with a contemporary sensibility.

Parlor

I could go on and on about the amazing work that was presented in this Decorator’s Show house. The talented designers and students that made this home an incredible venue for the public should be very pleased at the finished product. Here are just a few of the designers who made this very special project, a well-choreographed work of art:

Amy Alder Upholstery

Custom Draperies Plus, Lydia Kendrick-Cress

DARE Designs, Caroline Leo
Deelite Design, Dee Cunningham
Fine Art & Accents, Gayle Goldstein
JCM Studio of Decorative Arts, Jutz C. Moreland
JT Custom Painting, John Thompson
Kris’ Kreations, Kristine E. Ozgar
MK Designs, Michele Kelling
Nifty Needle Design, Rose M. Hilgartner
Simply Put Interiors, Paula A. Henry
Summerhill Cabinets, Gael Summerhill
WLM Designs, Wanda Mathews

John Thompson painting in the Cal Ripken inspired “Iron Man Cave.” (Baltimore Sun photo by Lloyd Fox / October 14, 2009)

As Media Partner for the Maryland Home, Garden & Living Show, ChesapeakeHome certainly wouldn’t be living up to its end of the bargain if we didn’t get the word out and let you know about some of the show’s great features.  Coming to the Maryland State Fairgrounds this weekend October 16-18, 2009, the show offers visitors hundreds of home improvement exhibits as well as professionally landscaped garden displays, interior design exhibits, free seminars, wine tastings, 13 chances to win $25,000 in Show Cash, and more.

The interior design exhibits feature three “Famous Marylander Man Caves” designed by Simply Put Interiors, LCK Interiors, and Interior Designs by Grace. Some of the great seminars include: Selecting Paints and Colors; Selling Your House with Staging; and a variety that address ways to be more green or energy efficient at home. A highlight of the seminars will be the humorous appraisal of your antiques by syndicated columnist and TV personality Dr Lori.

For more information about the Maryland Home, Garden & Living Show including other great features, show times, ticket prices, and directions visit mdhomeandgarden.com.